Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 February 2024
105. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what avenues are available for a person (details supplied) to access missing information from their early life report which they recently received from Tusla; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9487/24]
View answerThe Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022 provides for the release of an individual's birth and early life information where records of it exists. Tusla and the Adoption Authority of Ireland hold the vast majority of records pertaining to the birth and early life of relevant persons under the Act, but more are being identified and transferred into the care of the Authority on an ongoing basis. As such, it is possible that records may need to be applied for from both Tusla and the Authority.
Unfortunately, in some circumstances recorded information pertaining to an individual's birth and early life may be limited, however information as defined in the Act will be released in all cases.
As Minister I cannot intervene in individual cases. However, if the applicant believes that information exists on his birth and early life which was not released to him, there are avenues through which he may engage with Tusla to request a review of his records. This can be done through Tusla's website under Feedback and Complaints. Tusla's officers would also be in a position to help the applicant understand what he has received, and direct him towards further avenues he could pursue.
Alternatively, if the individual provides their express written consent to share their personal details with Tusla, officials in my Department can ask Tusla to engage directly with the individual.
